Ergonomics for the home or virtual office (march 2020)
1. Turn commuting time into sleep time
Sleep in during the time you’d normally spend commuting in the morning! Many adults don't get
enough sleep on a regular basis, so try to take advantage of the extra time to rest.
Transitioning to
Virtual/Home Based Work
Aon offers some quick tips, considerations and ergonomics guidance to help make
your transition comfortable and productive
Create a productive working space
Set up a designated work space in your home to create boundaries between your
work and living spaces. Consider putting a door between you and your family, a place
where you can have uninterrupted peace and quiet. Even if you live alone, setting up a
designated workplace is recommended.
Prioritize your mental health
A sense of uncertainty and a change of routine makes mental health a key area of focus.
During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs and feelings:
• Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing
• Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food
Manage the flow of information
A near-constant stream of news reports and changing information can cause anyone
to feel anxious or distressed. Limit the amount of time you spend seeking information
updates and practical guidance to a few specific times during the day.
Stay connected and maintain your social networks
Even in situations of isolation, try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines. If health
authorities have recommended limiting your social contact, you can stay connected via e-mail, social
media, video conference and telephone.
Leverage technology and establish
virtual ways to connect
Participate in video calls, interactive webinars, virtual team huddles and check-ins to stay
in contact and support your colleagues and clients.
Disclaimer: This document has been provided as an informational resource for Aon clients and business partners and is intended to provide general
guidance. Aon Global Risk Consulting guidelines are purely advisory and intended for the purpose of assisting our clients in risk control. We do not
purport to refer to or guarantee full compliance with local, state, or federal regulations that may be applicable to such practices and conditions.
Provided documentation also does not signify or imply that other hazards do not exist.
2. Head, Neck
and Eyes
• Position your monitor about an arm’s length away
• Adjust the monitor height so the top of the viewing area is slightly below your eye level; this height
should be decreased for bifocal users
• Place the document holder at the same height as the monitor’s viewing area, or in line with monitor
Back &
Shoulders
• If seated, make sure to select a chair with lumbar support that adjusts to fit your lower back
• Arms should rest at the side of your body while using the keyboard
• Place the mouse next to the keyboard, at the same height
Elbows &
Forearms
• Your elbow should be bent between 90 – 110 degrees
• Ensure the keyboard is positioned slightly below your elbow height
• If seated, lower or remove arm rests during typing tasks to prevent elevation of arm/shoulder
Hands &
Wrists
• Keep your wrists straight while typing by placing the keyboard/mouse slightly below elbow height
• Place wrist rests so they do not contact your hands or wrists while typing
• Hold the mouse with a relaxed grip during use and relax hand while not in use
• Depress the keys lightly and remove your hands from the keyboard when not typing
• Flatten the feet on the underside of your keyboard to minimize wrist bending
Lower
Extremities
• If seated, adjust the seat pan to fully support your upper legs, allowing space for 2-3 fingers between
the back of the knee and the front of the seat
• Position your knee joint angle between 90 – 110 degrees with feet resting flat on the floor or footrest
• If standing, use anti-fatigue matting or anti-fatigue insoles/shoes for additional comfort
• You can also prop one foot up on a footrest and alternate between legs
Office Ergonomics
Basics
This graphic illustrates
neutral seated and
standing postures
for your computer
workstation. The
next page provides
suggestions and
guidance on how
to achieve these
postures within your
home/virtual work
environment.
Disclaimer: This document has been provided as an informational resource for Aon clients and business partners and is intended to provide general
guidance. Aon Global Risk Consulting guidelines are purely advisory and intended for the purpose of assisting our clients in risk control. We do not
purport to refer to or guarantee full compliance with local, state, or federal regulations that may be applicable to such practices and conditions.
Provided documentation also does not signify or imply that other hazards do not exist.
3. Setting up your
Home or Virtual Work Space
While working from home with
improvised office furniture there is an
increased risk for awkward postures that
could lead to discomfort. These tips are
provided to help you optimize your home
or virtual work environment to avoid
symptoms and maintain productivity.
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Disclaimer: This document has been provided as an informational resource for Aon clients and business partners and is intended to provide general
guidance. Aon Global Risk Consulting guidelines are purely advisory and intended for the purpose of assisting our clients in risk control. We do not
purport to refer to or guarantee full compliance with local, state, or federal regulations that may be applicable to such practices and conditions.
Provided documentation also does not signify or imply that other hazards do not exist.
Additional Tips:
• Set working hours to establish a start and end time for your
work day
• Take micro breaks, step outside for fresh air, or take a walk
throughout the day
• Stand up and walk around during phone calls
• Avoid laying down or sitting cross legged on the floor, couch,
or bed when working
• Alternate between sitting and standing postures (if possible)
Obtain an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse if
possible
Find a work surface that is the right height for you
(dining table, counter top, craft table, card table, etc.)
Choose the best chair available in your
home or virtual office
Use a rolled-up towel or pillow to provide lumbar
support if needed
Sit on a cushion to elevate yourself if the work surface
is too high (use a footrest if needed)
Look for reams of copy paper, cardboard boxes, etc.
to use as a footrest if you don’t have one at home
Raise your monitor using books, boxes or reams of paper
Use cardboard boxes to raise a counter top work surface
to the right height for standing work
Connect a personal computer monitor or TV screen
to your laptop
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